CANADIAN ATTORNEY: ADMISSION TO BAR - S.B. 1376: REVISED COMMITTEE SUMMARY
Senate Bill 1376 (as introduced 9-26-00)
Sponsor: Senator Bill Schuette
Committee: Economic Development, International Trade and Regulatory Affairs
Date Completed: 9-26-00
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Revised Judicature Act to permit the Michigan Supreme Court to grant a license to practice law to an applicant licensed in the Province of Ontario, Canada, by an equivalent licensing board or authority if that board or authority granted reciprocal licensure to attorneys licensed under Chapter 9 (Attorneys and Counselors) of the Act.
Chapter 9 provides for the admission of persons to the State Bar of Michigan and the licensing of attorneys. Currently, a person who is licensed to practice law in the court of last resort of any other state, territory, or the District of Columbia who applies for admission to the State Bar of Michigan without examination is required to prove to the satisfaction of the Board of Law Examiners that he or she meets certain criteria.
MCL 600.946 - Legislative Analyst: L. Arasim
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would result in a minimal increase in law exam fee revenues depending on the number of additional applicants who would apply for admission to the bar without examination, if Ontario were to allow reciprocity. The fee for admission to the bar without examination is $600 compared to the $300 fee for admission with examination. Law exam fee revenue is deposited in the State General Fund for expenditures of the Michigan Supreme Court related to the administration of the Board of Law Examiners.
- Fiscal Analyst: B. BowermanS9900\s1376sa
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.